Flying business class is a dream for many travelers: lie-flat seats, gourmet meals, and premium service. Full-fare business-class tickets often cost thousands of dollars. But the good news is you needn’t travel in luxury for full price. With the proper strategies, one can upgrade into business class for a fraction.
If you want to experience flying premium cabins, minus their near-actual prices, here is how to fly in business class for cheap and get upgraded in no time.
Want to go by business class without having to pay for it? Learn here some of the best ways of getting cheap upgrades, including bidding for upgrades, using miles and lots more.
- Get Upgraded with Airline Miles and Points
The easiest ways to upgrade to business class are through frequent flyer miles or credit card points. Almost every airline upgrades their passengers from economy or premium economy-class passengers by paying in miles, not cash.
Best Frequent Flyer Programs for Upgrades:
American Airlines Aadvantage – Upgrade from economy for 15,000+ miles.
United MileagePlus – Upgrade using co-pay + miles for better availability.
British Airways Avios: Upgrade from premium economy to business class for reasonable miles.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: Upgrade at discounted mileage rates on partner airlines.
Tip: If you have a credit card that earns Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, or Citi ThankYou Points, transfer them to an airline program and use them for an upgrade.
- Look for Last-Minute Upgrade Offers
Airlines would rather fly with a cheap business class upgrade than fly empty premium cabins, so they may offer last-minute upgrades at a fraction of the cost at check-in or through the gate.
How to Get a Last Minute Upgrade:
Check your airline website or app for upgrade offers, 24 to 48 hours before flying
Ask about upgrade discounts at the check-in counter.
If you’re at the gate, politely ask the agent if any upgrade options are available.
Tip: Business class is cheapest to upgrade when there are many empty seats. Avoid peak travel dates for the best chance.
- Use Upgrade Bidding Programs
Many airlines will allow you to bid for an upgrade, naming your price rather than paying full fare. If your bid is accepted, you’ll be upgraded to business class at a discount.
Airlines Offering Upgrade Auctions:
Emirates- “Bid for an Upgrade” program.
Lufthansa & Austrian Airlines- “Smart Upgrade” bidding system.
Qantas & Air New Zealand- Upgrade auctions before departure.
Hint: Pricier is better, as this increases chances, but target a bid of about 30-50% of the difference between economy class and business to maximize your possibility of an upgrade.
- Book Premium Economy and Upgrade Later
If one can’t pay for business-class upfront, he should book a premium economy instead, which definitely raises the rate of upgrading: airlines always move people booked into premium economy to the next best cabin first and, more important, it might be cheaper, too.
Best Airlines to Upgrade from Premium Economy:
Singapore Airlines – Very often, one can find discounted upgrades.
Lufthansa & Swiss Air – One finds quite often the availability of discounted upgrades.
ANA & Japan Airlines – Upgrades are offered more frequently to its premium economy passengers.
Tip: Book a flexible premium economy ticket, which makes you more eligible for a cheap upgrade.
- Avail maximum of the airline’s status and loyalty benefits.
Earning airline elite status can help you score free or cheap upgrades, if you fly frequently. In fact, most airlines offer complimentary upgrades to its elite members if business class seats are available.
Best Frequent Flyer Programs for Complimentary Upgrades:
Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members – Free upgrades for Platinum & Diamond members
United Premier Elite – Free upgrades for MileagePlus elites on domestic flights
Alaska Airlines MVP Elite – Free upgrades when available.
Tip: Even if you don’t have airline status, booking through the loyalty program may increase the likelihood of seeing a discounted upgrade offer in front of you.
- Corporate and Companion Fare Discounts
Some airlines give corporate travelers and travelers with companions special upgraded business class.
How to Use It:
The Best Airlines for Companion and Corporate Upgrades
Qatar Airways Companion Fare – Business-class special pricing for two.
British Airways Executive Club – Companion Vouchers in business class.
Finnair & Lufthansa – Business-class seat corporate discounts
The trick is checking your company to see if a corporate airline deal is set-up as with personal travel maybe allowed under discounted fares too.
- Search for Error Fares & Sales in Business Class
Sometimes, airlines will publish mistaken fares with business class selling for economy prices. And sometimes, airlines have flash sales on their business class seats, which can drop those prices quite a bit.
Best Sites to Find Business Class Deals:
Secret Flying – Posts mistake fares and last minute premium deals.
The Flight Deal – Track discounted business class fares
Google Flights & Skyscanner – Set alerts for business class deals.
Tip: Set up fare alerts and have your finger on the trigger to buy any time a deal pops up.
- Travel During Off-Peak for Better Upgrade Availability
That means flying during the off-season, the airlines are more likely to have unsold business class seats, which increases your chances of getting upgraded at a discount.
Best Times to Find Cheap Upgrades:
January to March-after the holidays
September to November-after summer’s travel rush
Mid-week flights-Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Tip: Avoid flying during peak holiday seasons and weekends, as business class is full.
Final Thoughts: How to Upgrade to Business Class for Less
Business class doesn’t have to mean thousands of dollars. You can get that luxurious seat quite a bit cheaper by utilizing miles, bidding on upgrades, booking premium economy, and searching for last-minute deals.
Key Takeaways:
✔️ Use miles & points from airline loyalty programs and credit cards.
✔️ Check for last-minute upgrades at check-in or the gate.
✔️ Bid for an upgrade through airline auction programs.
Book a premium economy and upgrade later. Travel during off-peak times when upgrade availability is high. By doing so, with these tips you will be flying high in business class without spending the full amount. Happy travels!
Ever score a cheap business class upgrade? Share your story in the comments!
